Wireless Charging Foreign Object Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless charging methods suffer from low detection accuracy of foreign objects between the transmitter and receiver, leading to inefficient power transmission and potential heat generation due to induction heating, as they often misidentify alignment issues as foreign objects.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a coil, power transmitting circuit, sensing circuit, and control circuit that outputs designated powers to detect foreign objects during different phases of wireless charging, adjusting power output based on energy variations to enhance detection accuracy and prevent power transmission when a foreign object is present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional foreign object detection methods are used during wireless charging, then power transmission can be stopped when a foreign object is detected, but the detection accuracy is low leading to false positives when misalignment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing foreign object detection during the identification/configuration phase before actual power transmission begins. The control circuit outputs first designated power to detect foreign objects in advance, identifying energy variations caused by foreign objects before full power transmission starts. This early detection approach allows the system to stop power transmission proactively when foreign objects are detected, preventing both false positives from misalignment and actual foreign object heating issues.
2Loss of energy
If power transmission continues without accurate foreign object detection, then power transmission efficiency is maintained, but heat generation occurs due to induction heating from foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring energy variations during the identification/configuration phase through the sensing circuit. When the control circuit outputs first designated power, it detects the resulting energy at the coil and compares it against expected ranges. If energy variations indicate the presence of a foreign object, the control circuit provides feedback to stop power transmission, preventing induction heating and energy loss while maintaining efficient operation under normal conditions.
3Reliability
If the sensitivity of foreign object detection is increased to detect all foreign objects, then detection coverage improves, but false detection increases due to alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by adjusting the sensitivity and power levels dynamically based on the charging phase and detected conditions. During the identification/configuration phase, the control circuit outputs first designated power at a lower level for safe detection. Based on the energy variations detected during this phase, the system dynamically determines whether to proceed to full power transmission or stop operation. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain high detection coverage while avoiding false positives from misalignment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Improves the accuracy of foreign object detection and adjusts power output accordingly, preventing inefficient energy transfer and heat generation by accurately identifying and responding to foreign objects during the charging process.
Implementation Method 1
Wireless charging technology takes advantage of wireless power transmission/reception and may be technology for wirelessly transferring power from a power transmitter to a power receiver
Implementation Method 2
to identify first energy from a first designated power output through the coil due to a foreign object by using the sensing circuit
Implementation Method 3
the presence of a foreign or external object (e.g., a metallic object) between the wireless power transmitter and the wireless power receiver while wireless charging is performed may degrade the power transmission/reception efficiency and add heat due to induction heating
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments related to electronic devices are set forth herein. According to an embodiment, an electronic device comprises a coil, a power transmitting circuit electrically connected with the coil, a sensing circuit, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to wirelessly output, using the power transmitting circuit, a first designated power through the coil to an external electronic device, and identify, using the sensing circuit, first energy detected at the coil due to a foreign object of the electronic device. The control circuit is further configured to, when a magnitude of the energy falls within a first designated range, output, using the power transmitting circuit, a second designated power to the external electronic device, and when the magnitude of the energy falls within a second designated range, abstain from outputting the power to the external electronic device using the power transmitting circuit. Other embodiments are possible as well.